It is one of the most painted and photographed buildings in the country but few will have seen Lincoln Cathedral depicted in tapestry.

But that is about to change thanks to the skills of a 1930s craftsman.

A 76-year-old silk tapestry of the cathedral's West Front has been donated to the ancient Minster.

The work, measuring 28 ins wide and 40 ins tall, was a labour of love for amateur weaver Harry Ruth.

It includes the names of all the Lincoln Bishops from 1967 to 1933 around the border.

Mr Ruth completed several tapestries in the 1930s while living in Lincoln.

Now, almost 80 years later, his daughter has donated the piece to the cathedral.

Joan Denton (87) says she remembers watching her father work on his stitching at the family's then home in Eastfield Street.

"He loved the cathedral so much he almost knew every stone," said Mrs Denton from Welton, near Lincoln.

Mr Ruth's precious collection passed to his daughter on his death in 1959, aged 68.

Mrs Denton treasured the pieces for years until, in 1994, she decided to distribute them among her family members.

One of her son's Kevin was given the West Front tapestry.

He died of cancer in February this year while living in the Isle of Wight. But before he died he and his mum decided to donate the work to Lincoln Cathedral.

It has been hung in the Cathedral Centre directly opposite the West Front.

For more on the tapestry, see Saturday's Echo.